Cristiano Ronaldo was left red-faced as his Al-Nassr side suffered a significant defeat against local rivals Al-Hilal in the much-anticipated Riyadh Derby, a highlight fixture in the 15th matchday of the Saudi Pro League.
Occupying the top two positions on the league table, the anticipated clash between Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr promised an intense battle. However, it was Al-Hilal that secured a decisive 3-0 victory at the King Fahd Sports City, asserting their dominance in the Riyadh Derby.
Formerly associated with Newcastle United and Fulham, Mitrovic emerged as the standout player of the match, capturing attention with two outstanding goals that posed a considerable challenge for Al-Nassr’s defense.
His precise finishing and strategic positioning played a pivotal role in Al-Hilal’s commanding triumph, further solidifying their position at the summit of the league.
Before Mitrovic’s goals, Cristiano Ronaldo had a disallowed goal due to an offside call, heightening the already charged atmosphere of the match.
This triggered several contentious moments that left the Al-Nassr camp feeling aggrieved, leading the former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus forward to express his frustration to Hilal’s president, Fahad bin Nafel, after the game.
Despite Al-Nassr’s grievances, the Blue Waves maintained their dominance, securing the victory with a clean sheet.
According to reports, the result not only extends Al-Hilal’s unbeaten streak but also sends a powerful message to their competitors in the SPL.
With 41 points, the 18-time Saudi champions now lead the league table, enjoying a commanding 7-point advantage over their closest rival, Al-Nassr.